Brooks Running is known as the brand the for those that ‘Run Happy’ — but what happens when you see people in your running community being harassed, marginalized and even worse? Brooks felt the need to take a stand and have tough conversations using running as a universal language to bring their audience to the table. The goal was to create a safe place for Brooks to have a strong voice and opinion about the division and anger in communities across the country. Incredible strides were taken to find representation behind the lens as well as in front. Additionally significant contributions were made to the local communities as part of the production including financial support, film festival support, and even a bringing together of the entire cast for runs and conversation in Charlottesville, VA to complete the series. This campaign has won multiple awards including several staff picks and AdWeek mentions.

Prolyfyck

This episode follows the Prolyfyck Run Crew as they create a safe space in Charlottesville, VA with a cast of diverse runners who are challenging systemic racism in their city through running. The film was an official selection of the 2022 Brand Storytelling Virtual Theater and recognized as a Vimeo Staff Pick.

Rosalie Fish

For Rosalie Fish, Indigenous student-athlete and activist, running isn’t just a sport — it’s how she represents the strength and resilience of indigenous women within her tribe and beyond. As we look forward to #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we are honored to share Rosalie’s story in our second episode of “Who is a Runner” – a docu-series collaboration with Brooks Running.

Chinatown Runners

In a time of increased tension for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, Victoria Lo turned her own fear and anxiety into a call to action. The founder of Chinatown Runners creates monthly celebrations of place, space and culture, one mile at a time. Vics connects runners to Asian cultures, promoting safety, and running in solidarity with AAPI communities by running in Chinatowns across the country. In this episode of Who Is a Runner, made in collaboration with Camp 4 Collective and Brooks Running, we follow Victoria as she taps into her love of running to build empathy, celebrate differences, and dismantle Asian stereotypes and take a stand and #StopAAPIHate.

Erin McGrady

It takes the first 5-6 miles for the “bird’s nest” in Erin McGrady’s head to unravel. And then, putting one foot in front of the other, the photographer and writer works to create and celebrate safe spaces for others in the queer community. Together, with her wife Caroline Whatley, in spite all they are up against as queer women in the South, they turn their attention toward the joy they get from traveling and creating community.